During the course of the investigation, the Committee discovered regular transfer of core staff in Councils, ineffective functioning of ward committees, weak own source revenue mobilization, lack of cooperation by NGOs, increasing number of banks accounts as against provisions in LGA, 2004, conflict between chiefdom and local councils for precepts, no proper recording of the minutes of Council meetings, and development plans.
The Committee also did follow-up on its previous recommendations, especially on Section 107 of the Local Government Act of 2004 which stipulates “that local councils shall post on notice board in a conspicuous place on the premises of council and on notice board in each ward for at least twenty one days of their plans and activities relating to income and expenditure”.
In all of the Councils visited, Hon. Kamanda spoke about the purpose and mandate of the Committee and what is expected from Councils towards the development of the nation.
In the Committee’s deliberations, it was observed strongly that Councils accounting figures were misleading, and also lack proper documentations, and that Sector Heads are not working in line with President Koroma’s Agenda for Prosperity, noting misplaced priorities by staff and lack of accountability for funds allocated to Councils.
MPs also observed that the Billions of Leones given to the Agriculture Sector in the various Councils are nothing to write home about and that they are not doing anything to actualize President Koroma‘s vision for food sufficiency in the country.
Some Councils, like Bo and the Moyamba District Councils were commended for doing extremely well with funds received and projects implemented for the development of their Districts.
The Committee also promised to table its report in Parliament for deliberations and the adoption of the recommendations contained therein, noting implementation by line MDAs, including the Anti-Corruption Commission.
